Editor:

I am both shocked and disappointed that our Beeville Chamber of Commerce board of directors and manager would come out and publicly not support our Beeville teachers. Let me remind the chamber that we make up the largest educated workforce in this town, and schools are always a selling point when trying to attract industry to a community.

As an educator here in Beeville for the past 27 years, I must question the board’s knowledge of all the facts prior to making such a left field decision about not supporting our schools. Does the chamber board of directors make it a habit of making decisions without all the facts on all matters or just this one? The fact is that the Moreno Middle School did not meet AYP in one category or population, and this was our special education math scores. If a school campus has more than 50 students in a category then that population is looked at. We have more than 50 special education students at MMS. If we would have had under 50 students, as some of our area school districts have, then it wouldn’t have been looked at by TEA. Another fact not mentioned is that this past week our school received a TEA recognized gold performance award in the area of English/ELA.

As I shop in town, I often see signs in businesses stating, “We have the right to refuse service to anyone.” Dear board members, you will not see those signs posted in any schools, because we service everyone who walks through our doors with respect and professionalism. I have been a loyal supporter of the “Shop Beeville First” motto. But, before I continue to do so, I have one comment for the chamber board, its manager, and chamber businesses: I will continue to support you, if you support me. I implore our fine Beeville businesses to come out publicly and support the 300 plus school employees and their families who have always supported you.

Taxpayer and proud

educator,

Mitch Luna

Moreno Middle School counselor